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2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Early June projections for both rounds

By Maxwell Ogden

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 07: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (11) makes a no look pass between Oklahoma State Cowboys guards Kendall Smith (1) and Lindy Waters III (21) in the first half of a first round matchup in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys on March 7, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 07: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (11) makes a no look pass between Oklahoma State Cowboys guards Kendall Smith (1) and Lindy Waters III (21) in the first half of a first round matchup in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys on March 7, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Age: 19 (9/19/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’1.75″, 178 pounds, 6’3″
Slash Line: .422/.360/.861
Season Averages: 35.4 MPG, 27.4 PPG, 8.7 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 3.7 3PM

The New York Knicks need a wing who can shoot and defend, but that isn’t necessarily the top priority. That may sound counterintuitive, but let’s ask ourselves a question: If the Knicks simply add a two-way wing, will that make the Knicks a future contender?

The answer could be yes, but I’m inclined to believe that the New York Knicks would benefit most from adding talent—something it only debatably has.

Trae Young may be a polarizing prospect, but there’s a reason the Knicks continue to target him. Most are focused on the fact that Young is arguably the best off-the-dribble shooter in this draft class, as well as a player who could be utilized in an off-ball role.

What shouldn’t be overlooked, however, is that he’s also the best facilitator in this draft class—a word that differs significantly from, “Distributor.”

Young has advanced court vision and an uncanny ability to make passes at difficult angles. Most importantly: He thinks the game at a unique level, thus enabling him to run the offense both with and without the ball in his hands.

With Young at point guard, Frank Ntilikina aiming to legitimize his jump shot, and Kristaps Porzingis at the 4, the Knicks could put a unique spin on the Warriors’ system.

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